Director Joanna Lipper elegantly explores past and present as she tells the remarkable story of Hafsat Abiola, daughter of Nigerian human rights heroine Kudirat Abiola, and Nigeria’s President-elect M.K.O. Abiola, who won a historic vote in 1993 that promised to end years of military dictatorship. Shortly after the election M.K.O. Abiola’s victory was annulled and he was arrested.

While he was imprisoned, his wife Kudirat took over leadership of the pro-democracy movement, organizing strikes and rallies, winning international attention for the Nigerian struggle against human rights violations perpetrated by the military dictatorship. Because of this work, she too became a target and was assassinated in 1996.

In this riveting political thriller, the Abiola family’s intimate story unfolds against the epic backdrop of Nigeria’s evolution from independence in 1960 – through the Biafra War, subsequent military dictatorships and the tumultuous transition to civilian rule – through President Goodluck
Jonathan’s victory in the 2011 elections as Hafsat continues to face the challenge of transforming a corrupt culture of governance into a democracy capable of serving Nigeria’s most marginalized population: women.

Directed by Joanna Lipper
USA/Nigeria • 2014 • 75 minutes

Kudirat Abiola, daughter of Nigeria’s slain President-elect M.K.O Abiola returns to her home country and begins a journey of transformation.